Spring General Meeting - Meeting Minutes
University Hill Neighborhood Association (UHNA)
General Meeting Minutes
The Academy, April 18, 2018, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Opening Remarks – Nancy Blackwood/President, UHNA
Welcome and introduction of the Executive Committee
Thank you to The Academy for hosting the meeting
Introduction and election of four nominees to the UHNA Executive Committee – Scott Thomas, EC Member
Nominees elected to the UHNA Executive Committee: Karina Berg, Jyotsna Raj, Lisa Spalding and Linda Sparn
Nancy noted Stephen Sparn’s contributions to the EC over the past six months and that he has agreed to continue to be a resource to the EC, especially with regard to Design Review of proposed projects.
Historic Harbeck-Bergheim House Update – Jeff Haley, Parks & Planning Manager, and Caitlin Berube-Smith, Preservation Manager, City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department
Since 1984, the Museum of Boulder (MOB), formerly the Boulder History Museum, has leased the landmarked Harbeck-Bergheim property, located at 1206 Euclid Ave., from the City of Boulder. The MOB is vacating the Harbeck-Bergheim property this summer as it relocates to downtown.
Parks staff has prepared an April 5, 2018, Information Packet item, “Harbeck-Bergheim House” Memorandum, for City Council https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/Harbeck_House_IP-1-201804161039.pdf
The staff has outlined options related to the future use of the property and a proposed process and timeline for engaging the community in considering these options. In general, the options are 1) Continue to lease, most likely to a non-profit organization, 2) Maintain as a City facility, and 3) Sale of the property at market rate.
As a landmarked property, preservation of the historic nature of the house is required.
An Open House at the home is being planned to be held in June. A Citywide Open House (What’s Up Boulder), where an update will be provided, is planned for April 30 at East Boulder Community Center.
The UHNA members expressed a strong desire to be kept informed and involved in the process and Jeff promised to keep us posted.
Police Update – Officer Ryan Briscoe, City of Boulder Police Department
Officer Briscoe described the police coverage on the Hill. Ten officers are devoted to the Hill, with concentration of hours at night when they are the busiest. The officers patrol in 2-officer cars and there are some plains clothes officers. In addition, officers are assigned to specific blocks and neighborhoods. Specific assignments for the Hill are on the police website at bouldercolorado.gov/police.
Officer Briscoe noted that bicycle thefts are on the rise and many crimes are those of opportunity, primarily due to cars and homes being left unlocked.
Other crimes continue to be alcohol related, house parties and noise. Police have been routinely giving tickets for violations.
Members noted problem properties as well as instances of praise for the handling of problem house parties by police. Office Briscoe took note of problem properties to address.
Anyone with a complaint or non-emergency crime to report can call Boulder Police Communications at 303-441-3333. Members noted that the phone tree for this number has many options and is confusing. Callers though can press “8” for dispatch. Callers are asked for contact information but can remain anonymous to the other party in the complaint.
Less time-sensitive and non-police related concerns may also be communicated through the City’s “Inquire Boulder” App.
Hill Hotel/Garage Design Preview & Update – Chris Shears, Project Architect, Shears Atkins + Rockmore and Sarah Wiebenson, Hill Community Development Coordinator, City of Boulder
Sarah addressed the new parking garage which the City will own and manage, noting that 400 non-student Hill employees come to the Hill each day. The lack of parking has been a mounting concern for many years.
Chris presented a general overview of the concept of the hotel project, centered mainly on the project's massing and layout.
Objectives include providing additional parking, being an anchor and gateway to the Hill, increasing year-round customers and visitors, acknowledging the character of the Hill, active retail, sustainability, and vitality.
A Hill alley revitalization program is being planned to help provide better pedestrian linkage though the Hill and to the hotel. This includes cleaning up the alleys, better lighting, and consolidation of trash dumpsters.
There will be many additional opportunities to provide input as the project has several rounds of review with the Planning Board and City Council.
Neighborhood Connections Grant Program and Fundraising – Beanne Rothenberg, EC Member
UHNA is in the process of applying for a grant through the Neighborhood Connections Grant Program. The funds would be used for a neighborhood BBQ/picnic at Beach Park planned for August 25. Volunteers and ideas are being sought for the Beach Party.
As a fundraiser, Wu Mountain Tea has donated premium Chinese tea packaged in pyramid sachets. These were available for sale at the meeting and on the website.
Donations to UHNA can be made through the website. Pay Pal has been added to the website as a payment option.
Hill Revitalization Working Group (HRWG) Introduction and Update – Lisa Nelson and Callie Weiant
The HRWG, which is an official working group of the City, takes a holistic view of the District, working to unite all stakeholders for making improvements to the Hill.
The HRWG has two subgroups. The commercial sub group has included in its projects the creation of an official business district and support of the proposed hotel/garage project. The residential sub group will continue to look at residential services projects that focus on long-term neighborhood conservation. Currently the group is exploring options for long-term funding to continue the pilot Residential Service District litter removal program which was very successful.
Link to website: https://bouldercolorado.gov/commercial-districts/hill-reinvestment-working-group
Final Comments from Members and EC
Flatirons Elementary is facing decreased enrollment for next year. As a premier elementary school and asset to the neighborhood, neighbors are encouraged to support and communicate open enrollment into the school.
Neighbors are encouraged to sign up for the Listserve and visit the website at hillneighbors.com
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:
Linda Sparn
Executive Committee Member, University Hill Neighborhood Association